Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog was routed in the first round of the Labor Party leadership election Tuesday, as the political movement that led the country for years continues its struggle to regain relevance. The primary election was won by Amir Peretz, a former Labor chairman and defense minister, with 33% of the vote. Peretz and Gabbay face a runoff vote July 10 to determine who becomes the new party chairman and opposition leader. Peretz is a former labor union leader who led Labor to a second place finish in the 2006 election. Peretz lost the party leadership due to disappointment with his role as defense minister during Israel’s inconclusive war with Hezbollah in the same year.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 05, 2017 01:30 UTC